UK government launches consultation on how to protect crowded places from terrorist attacks

The Home Office has launched a public consultation on how local authorities, businesses, the police and communities can work together to better secure ‘crowded places’ against the threat of terror attack.

The consultation will result in new guidance will help local organizations understand their roles and the practical difference they can make to reduce the vulnerability of public areas, such as pubs, clubs, shopping centres, sports stadia and schools.

Gordon Brown announced a review of protective security by Lord West on 25 July 2007 following the attempted terrorist attacks on London and Glasgow airport. Lord West's report to Parliament on 14 November 2007 concluded that a new approach was needed to engage local partnerships in protecting crowded places and to design out vulnerabilities to terrorism at the planning and design stage. The consultation documents ‘deliver upon those commitments, and reflect work carried out by the Office for Security and Counter Terrorism in the Home Office in conjunction with a wide range of partners including representatives of professional bodies such as the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Royal Town Planning Institution and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment.’

The consultation can be accessed here, with a deadline of 10 July 2009.

•Date:21st April 2009• Region: UK •Type: Article •Topic: Terrorism
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